“We don’t want to leave! The cottage is so comfortable and a real pleasure to stay in. Stroma and Gardenstown have been an oasis of beauty, refreshing to mind and body. We long to be back.” Bill, Diana and family

Gardenstown is rich in history and steeped in atmosphere. At one time Stroma was a wealthy fisherman’s house with its own net drying room that doubled as the village schoolroom. Now the house provides accommodation on 3 floors – the living areas are on the ground and first floor, with a complementary art studio on the lower ground, its large windows only visible from the rear of the building.

Stroma is simply decorated in whites, blues and earth tones inspired by the coastal location, and hung with original artworks by Scottish artists. There are painted wooden floors scattered with rugs on the ground floor, carpets upstairs, and the house is centrally heated. There is a wood burning stove for relaxing cosy evenings,with a starter pack of logs provided.

As you enter through the front door you find the open plan living/dining/kitchen area on your left, a welcoming spacious room with windows front and back, two large plump sofas and an armchair, large dining table and chairs. There is also a TV/DVD player, portable CD/radio, free Wifi, board games and a collection of books to read or swap for your own. The kitchen area is also large and well equipped with electric oven, dishwasher, large larder fridge, small freezer, microwave, toaster, plenty of cooking equipment and ample storage for your stay. Enjoy our complementary tea & coffee while you plan your day’s activities or as a warm welcome as you sink into the sofa at the end of the day. Also on the ground floor you’ll find 2 large and bright twin bedrooms, and a shower room with wc.

Upstairs on the 1st floor there is another twin room, a generous space with ample room for luggage. This room also has a sofa bed that can sleep an additional guest if needed. Across the hall on the same floor is the large family room with 1 double bed and 1 single bed. Both the upstairs bedrooms have combed ceilings and sea views over the rooftops. Look out for the Aurora Borealis/Northern Lights, a truly fantastic natural light display sometimes visible between March and October. Also upstairs you’ll find another shower room with electric shower and wc.

All bedding and towels are provided, just ask if you need extra during your stay. Our beds are piled with fluffy pillows, warm duvets and quilted bedcovers, with extra blankets provided for our winter guests. We can also provide a cot, highchair and baby bath. There are retractable stair-gates fitted to enclose the ground floor.

On the lower ground floor you'll find the studio, accessed by a separate side entrance that means wet wellies and treasured beach finds can be left to dry, golf, walking and cycling kit can be stored with no fear of making a mess. Whether you’re a novice or professional artist, the studio is nothing fancy but does offer a great workshop space with bare wooden floor, sink, chairs, tables and basic tools. If you’re looking for some help or particular equipment let us know and we’ll do our very best to provide what you need. We also run full art holiday weeks in our main teaching studio space if you’re really keen.

Step outside the door and the delights of Gardenstown are a short stroll away – walks along the beach nestling below wonderful red sandstone cliffs, friendly local pub, authentic village heritage centre, and the sense of being in a special peaceful place framed by a huge sweep of sea and sky. Stroma offers a wonderful home from home for families and groups, a great base for exploring, relaxing and spending time together. A short drive from Gardenstown brings you to woods, hidden coves, whisky, heritage and art trails, golf, horse riding and surfing clubs, and miles and miles of clear fresh Scottish air to recharge your batteries.

Get in touch if you have a large group as we have another self catering property in Gardenstown called Bankhead that sleeps 6, than can be let alongside this one. We also offer reduced rates for couples and singles – our aim is to help you enjoy your holiday as much as possible so please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you have

Open All Year

All Year

Room Information

Prices vary throughout the year, and we also offer a reduced occupancy rate in the off season. Please contact us for availability and further details.

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

Accommodation Type

Activity Holiday
We also offer a range of art holidays throughout the year, see www.creative-retreat.co.uk for details

Cottage

Holiday Rentals

Self Catering Holiday

Children

Children Welcome

Cot Available

Highchair Available

Facilities

No Smoking Permitted

Tuition Available
We offer tuition in painting and drawing for all ages and run a number of visual art courses throughout the year

Leisure Facilities

CD Player

DVD Player

Radio

Satellite / Cable TV

Television

WiFi

Payment Methods

BACS

Cash

Cheque

No credit cards accepted
we accept Paypal payments

PayPal

Transport

Bike Storage Available

Free Parking Off-Site/Street

Parking

Catering

Eating Out Facilities within 2 miles

Shop within 2 Miles / Mobile Shop

Tea & Coffee Available

Domestic

Dishwasher

Drying Facilities

Electric Cooker

Freezer

Fridge

Heating Throughout Property

Indoor Drying Facility

Iron Available

Ironing Facilities

Kitchen

Laundry Facilities on Complex

Linen Provided

Log Fire

Lounge

Microwave

Multi Fuel Wood Burning Stove

Shared Bathroom

Shower

Toilets

Towels Provided

Wash Hand Basin

Washing Machine

Health & Wellbeing

Swedish Massage

Traditional Massage
massage and reflexology treatments available

Location

Coastal Location

Rural Location

Village Location

Special Requirements

Children Welcome

Families

Groups Welcome

No Pets Allowed

Non smokers

School Groups Welcome

Please enable JavaScript to view the location map.

Road Directions

Gardenstown is off the A98, running from Fochabers in the West to Fraserburgh in the East.

From Aberdeen take A90 North to Fraserburgh and Peterhead. After about 20 min branch left onto the A952 towards Fraserburgh. After about 10 min, at the roundabout take 1st exit to New Pitsligo, A950. Go through New Pitsligo and at the T junction turn left onto the A98 towards Inverness. After about 15-20 min turn right onto the B9031 towards Gardenstown. Follow road for approx 8 miles, until you reach the B9123 signposted to Gardenstown. Follow road down the hill through village, following signs for harbour. Stroma is on the left, some way down, with a blue door. If you reach the harbour or the net drying sheds, you’ve gone too far – just back up the road a couple of minutes and you’ll find the house

Public Transport Directions

Getting there by AeroplaneInverness Airport is approx 60 miles west of Gardenstown. To continue by car take A96 to Aberdeen and Fraserburgh.After going past Fochabers,take 1st exit to Fraserburgh and Banff,the A98.After Banff continue on A98,going over bridge to Macduff and Fraserburgh.After leaving Macduff take left turn on B9031 towards Gardenstown.Follow road for approx 8 miles until you reach B9123 signposted to Gardenstown. Follow road down the hill through village, following signs for the harbour.Stroma is on the left, some way down, with a blue door.If you reach the harbour or the net drying sheds,you’ve gone too far. To continue by public transport, take the 35 or 35A Stagecoach Bus to Macduff Bus Depot.From here take the 273 to Gardenstown.Please contact us if you intend to travel by bus or need transfers

Getting There by FerryAberdeen is out closest ferry port. To continue your journey by car, take the A90 North to Fraserburgh and Peterhead. After about 20 minutes branch left onto the A952 towards Fraserburgh. After about 10 minutes, at the roundabout take the first exit to New Pitsligo, A950. Go through New Pitsligo and at the T junction turn left onto the A98 towards Inverness. After about 15-20 minutes turn right onto the B9031 towards Gardenstown. Follow road for approximately 8 miles, until you reach the B9123 signposted to Gardenstown. Follow road down the hill through village, following signs for the harbour. Stroma is on the left, some way down, with a blue door. If you reach the harbour or the net drying sheds, you’ve gone too far – just back up the road a couple of minutes and you’ll find the house.

Transport within Scotland

For public transport information to visit here from within Scotland, enter your postcode and visit date below.

Journey Planner

Plan your journey
by Public Transport

Enter your originEnter your destinationDepartArrive

Time

Date

Access to Public Areas

Level access (i.e. no steps or thresholds), or access by ramp, lift or stair lift